10 reasons why shopping locally is best… (1/2)
In an era when we can decide to buy something, browse for it, pay for it and have it delivered in hours, going to the local shops and businesses might seem like something your grandfather might do.
Yet the experience — for all its convenience and simplicity — is something of a cold fish when it comes to user experience.
Most of us remember being asked by our parents to go grab some milk or bread from the local convenience store. It was a big task for any youngster — an important one, too — as most of us recall the first time it happened.
It was a moment of independence and trust — and by god, it was a mission to be completed with as little bother as possible. After all, there was always the possibility of keeping the change.
Imagine if that was taken away from the next generation?
You couldn’t ask them to go down to the mall 10 miles away or to the supermarket a bus ride away — couldn’t and wouldn’t — and so that magical rite of passage would be forever lost.
That’s why FlipNpik value community so highly. It means everything, is entrenched in our lives and makes things feel like home.
So, here’s 10 reasons why we not only need to support the community and businesses around you….
Local economy
Research often brings up some surprising facts — and one of them is that — roughly — every £10 you spend at a local business is worth up to £50 for the local economy. That’s a pretty impressive bit of info. The thinking is that the better local businesses do, the more the business owners spend locally in bars and restaurants. Would you spend in a community where nobody was coming to buy from you? Probably not. Why would you? There would be that sense of ‘why should I? You don’t back me…’ Shopping local means a lot more than you might think and is the blue touch paper for a thriving community.
Employment
Ever had a job because you know the owner of a shop, bar or restaurant? We pretty much all have. Even the paper round at the local newsagent was probably on the basis that the owner knew your mum and dad. Or maybe you got work in a local bar because they already knew you and when you applied, it wasn’t a tough decision. That sort of local knowledge is priceless. Would you get that with a chain of businesses? No way. And would you get paid better? Almost certainly not. Local jobs mean less travel, more familiarity and comfort and oh — much less of a carbon footprint travelling to and from work.
Your helping make dreams become reality
Think about it. An awful lot went into creating that dog groomers a reality. Or that new bar. Or that dress shop. Or that antiques store… the list is endless. These are the shops that make up your community and they’ve all taken a chance that you might welcome them and support them — yes, to make a living, but they are offering alternatives to the mundane and that is to be admired.
Online issues
Online businesses often claim to be the cheapest and best, but just because they say doesn’t mean so. The assumption is online is cheaper, but when you add the packing and postage (unless it’s free), you might be surprised what your local retailer can offer by way of competitiveness. And you’re more likely to get a spot discount in a local store or business if they are willing to at least price match. Check locally before you buy — you might just get a pleasant surprise. And if you have an issue, online redress can be a can of worms whereas returning to the store around the corner couldn’t be any simpler.
People power
There can’t be anyone who doesn’t love going somewhere, recognised with a friendly smile and welcomed by name. That is never going t happen online. People run local businesses, not board members, shareholders or call centre operators. Those welcomes are warming and just make the world a nicer place. And they can never be replaced.
